The Dodge Momentum Index, compiled by McGraw Hill Construction, increased 2.9% in September and is up 31% since the end of 2012. The index is a monthly measure of the first, or initial, reports for non-residential building projects in planning, which is a proven leading indicator of construction activity by a full year. "The acceleration of the index suggests that, as of September, owners and developers viewed the environment for construction as improving," says MHC. But all the gain comes from private commercial building, which was up 8.5%. Institutional building was down 2.5%.