Ports and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981

Ports and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake, on an expedited and priority basis, navigation improvements to the Charleston Harbor and Channels, South Carolina.

Requires the Chief of Engineers, within one year of enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for such project demonstrating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Clean Water Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and other statutory requirements as determined to be pertinent by the Chief of Engineers. Deems the requirements of such statutes to have been satisfied unless Congress disapproves such final environmental impact statement within 60 days.

Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to develop, improve, and maintain the Nation's rivers, harbors, and other waterways, at such depths and dimensions and with such facilities to insure the safe and efficient conduct of defense transportation or foreign and domestic commerce. Requires the Chief of Engineers, prior to initiation of any such work, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for such improvements. Requires each such statement to be submitted to Congress within one year of the date of the completion of the draft environmental impact statement. Declares that the absence of Congressional disapproval shall constitute a determination that all environmental statutes have been satisfied.

Declares that environmental impact statements for such projects and improvements shall not be subject to judicial review except that: (1) claims alleging the invalidity of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the enactment; (2) claims alleging the inadequacy of a final environmental impact statement transmitted to Congress pursuant to provisions of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the date of a finding and determination by Congress; and (3) claims alleging that an action to carry out projects and improvements authorized by this Act will deny rights under the Constitution, or that such action is beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, may be brought within 60 days following the date of such action.

Gives exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts for the district where the improvement is located. Gives docket priority to such proceedings in such courts.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.