Hillsborough officials report building recession may be ending

TAMPA - Hillsborough County's construction business is beginning to make a comeback, building and county officials said Tuesday.

In neighborhoods like Westchase and Charleston Corners, front-end loaders are turning dirt as construction workers begin apartment-building projects. "The growth is very slow," said Hillsborough County Public Works Steve Valdez. "However, it's better than being stagnant."

The Associated Builders and Contractors trade group is finally positive. "It's a lot more positive than it was in 2010," said ABC President Steve Cona. "Competition is heavy.  No one's getting rich, but at least there's work to bid."

Contractors say the majority of the work is for public projects, like schools and hospital expansion. They won't be convinced the construction turnaround is complete until the majority of the building work is for private projects.