Welcome to the WATF
The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that advocates for expanding and enhancing aviation services in Virginia and the National Capital Region. WATF is the only organization whose mission is to support our Virginia airports and its users, including passenger and cargo airlines, corporate and general aviation and others who benefit directly or indirectly from airport operations. WATF is focused on positioning Washington Dulles International Airport (Dulles) for continued growth while sustaining the gains already made and supporting Reagan National Airport (National) in a changing air transportation environment.
WATF at-a-Glance
55-member Board of Directors comprised of the region’s and Virginia state business leaders who recognize both Dulles and National as economic engines that fuel our regional, Northern Virginia and Virginia economies.
Dedicated staff of four professionals with a background in airport operations, community development, and marketing.
Administers Foreign Trade Zone #137, which serves the Dulles region by providing a competitive advantage, by way of savings on Customs duties, for companies with locations on U.S. soil.
Serves as convening force for consumer, civic, and economic interests in a region where growth is directly tied to the success of our airports.
Has a history of taking on hard to solve issues for the benefit of our airports and stakeholders.
Art Walsh, co-founder of one of the most prolific land-use law firms in Northern Virginia and WATF Board member, passed away on June 6 at the age of 78.
Art, a founding member of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley and Walsh, branded as “The Land Lawyers,” specialized in land development, urban planning and zoning law, from feasibility through permitting and construction. A Washington Post profile noted that there was hardly a spade-full of dirt turned over in Arlington for a major development that doesn't have Art Walsh’s imprint on it. The story went on to describe him as masterful at bringing all parties together to get the best results for clients and the community. Over the years, he played a role in rezoning Tysons for mixed-use development, in condemnation cases tied to the Silver Line and Express Lanes construction, in approvals for both the Arlington and Fairfax government centers and in numerous large and small land-use cases across the area, from Arlington to Merrifield to Dulles.
Art grew up in Arlington, attended Bishop O'Connell High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He earned his bachelor's degree from the College of William & Mary, served as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and the Army Reserves from 1969 to 1976, and earned his law degree from William & Mary's Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1973.
Art was also committed to supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of his brother John who died in 2000. His efforts raised more than $1.5 million over the years.
Art Walsh is survived by his wife, Nan, and children Ada-Marie and Sarah Nell.