3:45 p.m. - Rep. Dave Weiler, R-Bismarck, was a little surprised when Atlantik-Brucke, a German-American friendship organization, decided to hold its conference in Bismarck last month to discuss world politics and economics.

But what's even more interesting is that the group is expanding their relations with North Dakota by helping victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Today, Dietrich Lindemann, a representative from Atlantik-Brucke, came back to Bismarck to announce a $50,000 gift to hurricane victims who have temporarily relocated to North Dakota.

Lindemann said starting the Bridge of Hope program with $50,000 in North Dakota was an easy decision.

"The circumstances made a very quick decision for me to be here again," Lindemann said. "We said, 'We know people here, so why don't we start it here.'"

The money has already been deposited in the Bank of North Dakota and will be used to help hurricane refugees in North Dakota with immediate needs. Gov. John Hoeven said there are currently 38 families that have temporarily relocated to North Dakota because of Hurricane Katrina.

The program will be administered through the North Dakota Community Action Agency and the Division of Community Services.

The announcement was made in the Capitol by Weiler, Hoeven, Lindemann and Rep. Bob Martinson, R-Bismarck.

"Atlantik-Brucke's Bridge of Hope project demonstrates in the most tangible way what a friendship means - lending a helping hand during a time of need," Hoeven said.

The organization is also inviting a group of North Dakota high school teachers to come to Germany for a two-week study trip this spring.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty@bismarcktribune.com)