National Harbors Improvement and Maintenance Act of 1981

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] National Harbors Improvement and Maintenance Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to maintain the deep-draft channels and harbors of the United States. Prohibits the Secretary, after October 1, 1982, from expending funds for such maintenance until an appropriate non-Federal interest contracts with the Secretary to pay for specified portions thereof. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and to Congress on national harbor maintenance needs for the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1987. Authorizes such non-Federal interest to undertake navigation improvements subject to required permits. Requires that such non-Federal interest repay the United States, within 50 years of the date of enactment, the cost of all channel and harbor construction projects undertaken after September 30, 1982. Declares that this Act shall not prohibit or interfere with national defense transportation requirements. Permits an affected non-Federal interest to recover its reimbursement obligation by collecting fees from specified vessels engaged in commercial waterway transportation. Sets forth proce…