A geological investigation project was established in Atascosa County for two reasons:
(1) To search for high alumina clays; and
(2) To search for deposits of road metal.

Because of the scarcity of known deposits of suitable road materials in the county, the County of Atascosa contributed to the sponsorship of the project by furnishing transportation for the workers. Extensive coring with 3-inch hand augers revealed several occurrences of relatively high-grade clays of the so-called bentonitic type. The search for suitable road materials was less successful.