The new Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by the Dodge Construction Network, showed a 5.6% growth for the month of January to 225.7 from the revised December reading of 213.6. Over the month, commercial planning increased by 4.2% while institutional planning improved 8.7%."Nonresidential planning activity saw diversified growth in January, with every vertical experiencing positive momentum," stated Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network. "Uncertainty over fiscal policies, ongoing labor shortages and elevated construction costs will continue to be headwinds to the construction sector. However, further monetary easing and the sizable number of projects in planning should support construction spending in the back half of the year."Looking at the commercial sector, newdata center projects were once again a leading proponent while planning for traditional office buildings and warehouses made surprising gains. In January, the DMI was up 26% comp...