AUGUSTA — The Maine Army National Guard is sending nearly 50 soldiers along with heavy equipment to assist Massachusetts in snow removal, the guard announced Thursday.

Gov. Paul R. LePage and Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, both approved the request for equipment and assistance to Massachusetts, which came through the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

“Our neighbors in Massachusetts are in need of our assistance, and the Maine National Guard is ready, willing and able to help,” LePage said. “It is during these difficult times that our service members rise to the occasion and give their support to those who need it most. I commend our men and women who are taking part in this effort and wish them a safe return home.”

A state of emergency was declared in Massachusetts on Monday so emergency officials could begin enacting the mutual aid process with neighboring states and the private sector to secure much-needed heavy equipment for snow removal. Boston has received more than 72 inches of snow in the last month, according to the National Weather Service.

Soldiers and equipment from the 185th Engineer Support Company, the 262nd Engineer Company and the 136th Engineer Company will move south with dump trucks and loaders to assist in snow removal. They are expected to leave Maine on Friday and will report to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, according to Sgt. Pete Morrison.

The request for Assistance came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact a mutual aid agreement among all 50 states.