National Harbor Improvement Act of 1981

National Harbor Improvement Act of 1981 - Establishes the Interagency Harbor Development Task Force to: (1) review feasibility studies of and prepare reports on harbor improvements; and (2) develop national harbor development plans for five-, ten-, and fifteen-year periods.

Sets forth criteria to be observed by the Chief of Engineers in evaluating the desirability of a proposed project.

Specifies that the feasibility study of a proposed project shall be conducted by the District Engineer for the district in which such project is to be undertaken. Directs the Chief of Engineers, within 18 months after the date of the beginning of such study, to transmit such study to the Task Force.

Directs the Task Force to review such study, including comments thereon by interested States and agencies, and examine means of financing such project. Directs the Task Force, within 45 days of receipt of such feasibility study, to report its findings and recommendations to the President.

Directs the President, within 90 days of receipt, to transmit such report to specified Congressional committees.

Provides for veto of proposed harbor improvement projects described in such report by disapproval of either House of Congress within 45 days. Sets forth procedures by which such disapproval shall be considered.

States that advanced engineering and design work on an authorized project shall be completed by a specified date. Directs the President to submit to Congress in his budget request for the fiscal year following completion of such work a request for funds for construction of such project.

Specifies the Federal share of such construction costs.

Directs the Federal Government to assume all operation and maintenance costs of such projects for a specified period of time. Decreases the Federal share of such costs to a certain level according to a specified schedule.

Authorizes appropriations, with specified limitations, to carry out the provisions of this Act.