  We present observations of RD J030117+002025, a quasar at z=5.50 discovered
from deep, multi-color, ground-based observations covering 74 square arcmin.
This is the most distant quasar or AGN currently known. The object was targeted
as an R-band dropout, with R(AB)>26.3 (3-sigma limit in a 3 arcsec diameter
region), I(AB)=23.8, and z(AB)=23.4. The Keck/LRIS spectrum shows broad
Lyman-alpha/NV emission and sharp absorption decrements from the
highly-redshifted hydrogen forests. The fractional continuum depression due to
the Lyman-alpha forest is D(A)=0.90. RD J030117+002025 is the least luminous,
high-redshift quasar known (M(B)~-22.7).
