The expansion will add just over 7,000-sf to the 33,000-sfmuseum. The 38-year-old Columbia River Maritime Museum, one of themajor attractions in this city perched at the mouth of the ColumbiaRiver, receives upwards of 70,000 visitors annually despite itsout-of-the-way location in the northwest corner of the state. Theexpansion was designed by the Fletcher Farr Ayotte architecturefirm from Portland, and McCarthy, one of the nation's largestdomestic general contractors, will lead the construction effort,says museum spokeswoman Zoe Ulshen.

Despite backhoes that have been moving dirt on the site for afew days now, Rob Mangold, president of the museum's board oftrustees, will mark the start of construction this afternoon at a4p.m. groundbreaking ceremony. The Museum features more than 7,000artifacts, and the lightship Columbia, a National HistoricLandmark. In addition to the new features already mentioned, a newcinema will show a 12-minute orientation documentary on the historyof the Columbia River from its tributaries to the bar. A biggermeeting room, dividable into two, and a cafe also are part of theexpansion plans.

There will be no changes to the permanent exhibition roomstoward the rear of the building, which will remain open throughoutconstruction. The Great Hall just beyond the existing entrance willclose for three months next fall to allow for completion of theexpansion. Funded solely by ticket sales and donations, the Museumrelies on supporters to advance programs, and expand collectionsand facilities. The biggest contributor to the expansion project isthe (Fred) Meyer Memorial Trust.